The Florida Board of Bar Examiners (the board) is composed of 12 lawyers and 3 non-lawyer public members. The board was created by the Supreme Court of Florida to assist with the admissions process through the evaluation of applicants seeking admission to The Florida Bar.
The Supreme Court of Florida has exclusive jurisdiction over the conduct of those who practice law and those who seek to practice law in this state. The board recommends to the Court those who are qualified to practice and, unfortunately, also must inform the Court of those who are not.
Rule 3-10.1 of the Rules of the Supreme Court Relating to Admissions to The Bar sets out what it terms “Essential Eligibility Requirements” for admission to the practice of law. The board considers the following attributes to be essential for all applicants and registrants seeking admission to The Florida Bar to show:
1 Knowledge of the fundamental principles of law and their application.
2 The ability to reason logically and accurately analyze legal problems.
3 The ability to and the likelihood that, in the practice of law, one will:
-Comply with deadlines, -Communicate candidly and civilly with clients, attorneys, courts, and others, -Conduct financial dealings in a responsible, honest, and trustworthy manner, -Avoid acts that are illegal, dishonest, fraudulent, or deceitful.
4 Conduct oneself in accordance with the requirements of applicable state, local, and federal laws, regulations, and statutes; any applicable order of a court or tribunal; and the Rules of Professional Conduct.
Our lawyers will work with you to help you establish the requisite good character and fitness required to be admitted to practice law in Florida.
So how does the board make its evaluation? Two basic components drive the evaluation process: competence & character and fitness of the applicant.
Competence is measured by very specific educational qualifications, those being:
1 – Graduation from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (or within tweleve months of the school’s ABA-accreditation)
2 – Passing the Florida Bar Examination.
Character and Fitness relates to moral character. The Supreme Court of Florida asserts: “This Court, along with the Florida Board of Bar Examiners, is committed to the proposition that issues of honesty, integrity and character will be fully and fairly analyzed and properly addressed in connection with those who seek to assume a position of trust and confidence through admission to The Florida Bar. The Board of Bar Examiners has been and must remain ever vigilant in its activities to serve and protect the people of Florida.” Florida Board of Bar Examiners re R.L.W., 793 So. 2d 918, 925-926 (Fla. 2001).
DISCLAIMER: Some of the information you are reading came from past information disseminated from the Florida Board of Bar Examiners through their website http://www.floridabarexam.org. The Board of Bar Examiners regularly updates their information and nothing written on this website should be construed as legal advice. For the most complete and up to date information it is important that you visit the Board’s website.